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Shetlands were first imported to the United States in 1885 by Eli Elliot. These formed the basis for the American Shetland. The breeding of the ponies is mainly centered in Indiana, and began by the crossing of Shetland Ponies and Hackneys, and later with small Arabians and small Thoroughbreds. In 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club was formed and now has two studbooks: Division A and Division B. Division A is to register pure Shetlands, and Division B is open to any pony with one parent from Division A and the other either Hackney pony, Welsh, or Harness show pony. The American Shetland is extremely versatile, ideal for harness work, although excellent children's ponies. They can be seen show jumping, showing Western or English, performing dressage, competing in gymkhana or racing in harness. The ponies are full of character, and resemble a Hackney in build and stance with a Shetland's endurance, hardiness, and luxurious mane and tail. The ponies have intelligent and fine heads, often long and not the typical pony-shape. They have muscular, arched necks carried similarly as a Hackney. The breed tends to be long and narrow through the back, with broad and muscular hindquarters and high withers. The shoulder has good slope, allowing for their extravagant action. They are generally long in the leg, with long cannons, and have the Hackney stance with hind legs stretched out behind them. |
